S+H Staff

Silver Spring, MD — The Solid Waste Association of North America is asking the public to take simple steps to help protect sanitation workers from exposure to COVID-19. That includes holding off on cleaning projects that generate large amounts of trash.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to June 8-11 a Toxic Substances Control Act Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals virtual peer review of an EPA draft risk evaluation that states asbestos, a known human carcinogen, presents an unreasonable health risk to workers under certain conditions.

Washington — OSHA has made available $11.5 million in grants to improve worker safety and health as part of its Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

Columbus, OH — A piece of cake or slice of pizza might give you a brief moment of happiness, but it also may make it harder for you to concentrate, results of a recent study suggest.

Boston — Work-related post-traumatic stress disorder is a “growing concern” for nurses, who must keep up with ever-changing workplace responsibilities while balancing demands at home, a recent study review from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests.

Hamilton, Ontario — A series of free guidance documents from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is intended to help workers and employers in essential or high-risk occupations and industries reduce their exposure to COVID-19 and curb the spread of infection.

Bethesda, MD — Although alcohol is a key ingredient in hand sanitizers that can help kill the coronavirus, alcoholic drinks don’t have the same effect and may actually hinder your immune system’s response to COVID-19, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is cautioning consumers.

Minneapolis — Recently released guidance from the state of Minnesota details steps employers in the meatpacking industry should take to reduce worker exposure to COVID-19.

Los Angeles — To help ensure the safety of people returning to work – as well as those already on the job – during the COVID-pandemic, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has released guidelines for workplace safety; worker participation; and compensation for sick, injured and at-risk workers.

"Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards," OSHA's "Water. Rest. Shade." heat illness prevention campaign page states. "This includes protecting workers from extreme heat."